‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Recap – ‘The Reckoning’ – Nerds That Geek

‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Recap – ‘The Reckoning’

6/29/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘The Reckoning’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

If there is one thing that each and every one of us believe we are not capable of, it’s harming our family. Granted, that’s not to say we won’t offend them or impart some emotional harm along the way, because that is part of family life and the mistakes we make as people, but we simply won’t cause that real, impactful harm. The kind where they are physically going to hurt or worse, and we don’t think we are capable of it because blood really is thicker than water and there truly is a connection that we share with family that runs so incredibly deep. So, at worst, we figure maybe we will fire off some sour words over creating great harm or step away from them if by chance our relationship becomes problematic.

Yet, while we hold to that and think that others do as well, we hear far too often on the news… stories about people that crossed that line. That went and did unthinkable harm to their family, and we simply wonder… why? Why would anyone do that to their own flesh and blood and how can they live with themselves in doing so. Because it just seems so impossible, and well… those questions are top of mind today simply because they served as the focus and the central theme of the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost on STARZ. For ‘The Reckoning’ picked up shortly after Monet Tejada learned that her own flesh and blood tried to end her life and well… that led to a scary exploration of those questions.

Simply because, just like that, Dru and Diana were on the run, and there was no escaping mom and Cane’s fury. In fact, they were so intent on making them pay, that Cane skipped out on an event with Noma and physical violence came into play often. Making it clear that there was a fair chance this fight would end in death. That this family was ready to tear itself to pieces over what happened and well… in between clues and interactions with one another, the story explored the why. Wherein it correctly pointed out, that the issue at hand was the game, the life, the path that Monet chose ages ago to put food on the table, because it took her and her kids down a unique emotional path.

Lovell Adams-Grey and Woody McClain as Dru Tejada and Cane Tejada in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘The Reckoning’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Wherein no one in that family, cherished life. Just the next big score, the next job and maintaining their honor through and through and that… allowed for the answers to those questions to come to life. In that, if a family is focused on the worst aspects of our world and values everything but one another and what matters… harm can and will come into play. Which made this sequence a cautionary tale of sorts, and something of a tragedy… one that might end in redemption. Mainly because Janet pointed out that lesson to Monet who took it to heart and did her best to bring the family back together to try and heal. In fact, she even gave Tariq a pass in trying to kill Diana, after he waxed Salim. To showcase different values and of course… to save her grandchild, who also happens to be Tariq’s future child.

All of which made for a powerful story. One that explored a corner of the game we don’t think about that often. Specifically, what the life does to a family and how it destroys basic human decency through and through, which is much food for thought and while there is now peace with the Tejadas, there is still trouble on the horizon. Since Detective Carter is playing dirty to stir up trouble, and in his quest to engage in revenge, Tariq may have crossed a deadly line. Since Noma’s daughter showed up to the concert where Tariq and Brayden were running drugs and Tariq was quick to introduce himself and work his charm, and it is only a matter of time before that pits Noma and Tariq against one another once more.

But while we wait for more conflict, we can celebrate one brilliant tale. Because wow, this one really did offer up one hell of an original story. For this writer is hard pressed to think of any other crime story that has explored the consequences of the game in this manner. Which makes this a revolutionary episode of sorts, one that was anchored with just amazing performances with Woody McClain and Mary J. Blige leading the charge, since they sold the confusion and the frustration of the life they lead. And well, now that we’ve reached the end of this tale, it will be interesting to see how quickly the Tejada family can adjust to a life filled with value, over the darkness they have embraced for generations. Until next time.

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